Makkah Agreement: A Historic Milestone for a New Defense Bloc of the Muslim Ummah

Makkah Agreement: A Historic Milestone for a New Defense Bloc of the Muslim Ummah
(Asghar Ali Mubarak)

Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s characterization of the “Makkah Agreement”—and the “Joint Strategic Mutual Defense Alliance” with Saudi Arabia—as a historic milestone in their fraternal relations is not merely a conventional diplomatic statement. Instead, it clearly signals a major, far-reaching shift in the evolving landscape of global geopolitics and the defense architecture of the Middle East and South Asia. This new institutional defense mechanism established between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has not only elevated their centuries-old fraternal, religious, and strategic ties to new heights but has also laid the foundation for an alliance of like-minded Muslim powers dedicated to safeguarding regional peace and security.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has termed the Makkah Agreement a historic milestone; the mutual defense pact and the Makkah Joint Defense Alliance hold a historic significance within the long-standing fraternal relations between the two nations. Dr. Rajeh Tami Al-Baqmi, the newly appointed Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The Prime Minister congratulated Dr. Al-Baqmi on assuming his new responsibilities and expressed his best wishes for the Ambassador’s success in his diplomatic mission. On this occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif noted that relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have seen significant progress in recent years. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening the existing institutional mechanisms, with the aim of deepening and broadening bilateral cooperation across various sectors. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have always stood shoulder to shoulder. The ‘Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement’ and the ‘Makkah Joint Defense Alliance’ serve as historic milestones in the long-standing fraternal relations between the two nations, reflecting their shared commitment to regional peace and security.
The significance of this development was further underscored during a key meeting in Islamabad between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the newly appointed Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Rajeh Tami Al-Baqmi. The Prime Minister congratulated the Saudi Ambassador on assuming his new responsibilities and conveyed his best wishes, while reaffirming the mutual commitment of both nations on the diplomatic front. The foundation of the relationship between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is not merely based on political or economic interests; rather, it is rooted in an enduring bond of faith, shared values, and mutual trust—a connection that predates the very establishment of Pakistan. In 1940, when the Pakistan Movement was at its zenith, the then-Saudi Crown Prince (later King) Faisal bin Abdulaziz openly supported the struggle of the Muslims of the Subcontinent. Following the creation of Pakistan, the two nations signed their first Treaty of Friendship in 1951, which paved the way for sustained cooperation. In the defense sector, this collaboration has remained steadfast. During the 1960s and 1970s, as Pakistan modernized its Air Force and Army, Saudi Arabia provided substantial technical and financial support. Conversely, Pakistan’s Armed Forces have consistently played a leading role in strengthening Saudi Arabia’s defense capabilities, training its personnel, and safeguarding the Kingdom’s borders. The 1982 Pakistan-Saudi defense protocol was a link in this ongoing relationship, under which Pakistani forces have consistently offered their services for the defense of the Two Holy Mosques and the Kingdom. Under the current diplomatic and strategic approach of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have now formalized their traditional security ties into a comprehensive “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement” and the “Makkah Joint Defense Alliance.” The core drivers and objectives of this agreement encompass the following aspects: In recent years, both the Middle East and South Asia have faced threats from non-state actors, terrorism, cyberattacks, and unconventional warfare. The security of Saudi Arabia, its territorial integrity, and the protection of the Two Holy Mosques constitute an immutable and fundamental pillar of Pakistan’s foreign and defense policy. The two nations share deep-rooted strategic and security ties spanning several decades, within which Pakistan has consistently played a frontline role in strengthening Saudi Arabia’s defense. In the current context, Pakistan’s contribution to Saudi Arabia’s security encompasses the following key aspects: Through recent diplomatic and strategic developments, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have formalized their security cooperation into a broad-based “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement” and a “Makkah Joint Defense Alliance.” This framework provides an institutional platform for both nations to engage in intelligence sharing and the exchange of advanced defense technology to counter shared threats—such as terrorism, non-state actors, and cyberattacks. Under long-standing defense protocols, contingents of the Pakistani Armed Forces have remained permanently deployed in Saudi Arabia, primarily tasked with safeguarding the Kingdom’s borders and bolstering its internal security. Furthermore, senior officers and instructors from the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and Navy provide training and advisory services to the Saudi Armed Forces, focusing on modern warfare doctrines. Pakistan also serves as a key member of the Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition, established under the leadership of Saudi Arabia. Former Pakistani Army Chief, General (Retd.) Raheel Sharif, was appointed as the first Commander-in-Chief of this alliance—a testament to the deep trust Saudi Arabia places in Pakistan’s military leadership and expertise for the restructuring of its defense coalition. The armed forces of both nations regularly conduct joint military exercises (such as “Al-Samsam” and “Al-Shihab”) to refine their capabilities in addressing both conventional and unconventional warfare challenges.
Through its defense production infrastructure—including Heavy Industries Taxila and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra—Pakistan assists in supplying Saudi Arabia with state-of-the-art equipment and weaponry, aligning with the defense objectives of “Saudi Vision 2030.” On every international and regional platform, Pakistan has conveyed a clear message: should any threat arise to the security and stability of the Two Holy Mosques or Saudi Arabia, Pakistan will stand firmly by Saudi Arabia’s side. The Makkah Agreement provides an active, institutional platform for both nations to unite against these threats through intelligence sharing, the exchange of advanced defense technology, and joint military exercises. It has remained an immutable, foundational pillar of Pakistan’s foreign and defense policy that there can be no compromise on the territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia or the sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques. The “Makkah Joint Defense Alliance” further reinforces the commitment that, in the event of any external aggression, both nations will stand shoulder-to-shoulder.
This agreement is not limited merely to the movement or training of armed forces; rather, one of its most significant aspects is joint defense production. Pakistan’s manufacturing infrastructure—such as the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) in Kamra and Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT)—has the potential to align with the defense objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, enabling both nations to achieve self-sufficiency in the production of advanced weaponry and equipment.
The discussions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Ambassador Dr. Rajeh Tami Al-Baqami indicate that the relationship between the two countries is no longer confined to traditional aid or the provision of manpower; rather, it has evolved into a sustainable economic partnership. Pakistan is committed to becoming a key partner in Saudi Arabia’s strategic Vision 2030.
• Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC): The Saudi government has highly commended the SIFC platform, established by Pakistan to streamline and accelerate Saudi investment within the country. Saudi projects worth billions of dollars in the sectors of minerals, agriculture, information technology, and energy are currently underway. The Makkah Agreement serves as an exemplary model of unity and solidarity within the Muslim Ummah. This alliance harbors no aggressive intentions toward any third nation; rather, its primary objective is to maintain a balance of power in the region and ensure peace and stability, thereby allowing both nations to focus on economic development.
The Makkah Agreement stands as clear evidence that the alliance between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has withstood every test of time, growing even stronger with the passing years. In a global landscape where existing alliances are fracturing, and new alignments are emerging, the strategic mutual defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has emerged as an impregnable bastion for the stability of the Muslim Ummah.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s assertion that “Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have always stood—and will continue to stand—side by side” resonates with the sentiments of the people of both nations. The diplomatic mission, led by the newly appointed Saudi Ambassador Dr. Rajeh Tami Al-Baqmi, will further solidify and operationalize this strategic partnership—a partnership whose impact will be clearly reflected in the peace, prosperity, and defense sovereignty of the entire region for decades to come.
Pakistan has become a key partner in Saudi Arabia’s “Strategic Vision 2030,” with both nations moving beyond traditional economic cooperation into a long-term strategic and developmental partnership. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s “Vision 2030″—which aims to reduce the Saudi economy’s reliance on oil and transform it into a modern, diversified, and skill-based economy—has brought immense opportunities for Pakistan.
Pakistan is playing an active and significant role in this historic vision through the following key sectors:
Saudi Arabia’s mega-projects—such as the futuristic city of NEOM, Qiddiya, and various Red Sea tourism developments—require a large-scale professional workforce. According to Pakistan’s Finance Minister, Pakistan possesses a highly educated and skilled workforce in fields such as IT, engineering, healthcare, and modern construction, which is contributing to the realization of the manufacturing and digital goals set out in Vision 2030.
To accelerate the entry of Saudi companies into the country, Pakistan has established a “single-window” platform under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). Within the framework of Vision 2030, Saudi business groups (such as Asyad Group and Wafi Energy) are investing billions of dollars in Pakistan’s energy, mining, agriculture, food security, and infrastructure sectors, effectively integrating the business ecosystems of both nations. Furthermore, under Saudi Arabia’s new commercial policies—which permit 100% foreign ownership and facilitate streamlined banking channels—Pakistani corporate entities and private limited firms are gaining opportunities to invest directly and expand within the Kingdom’s rapidly growing economy. Furthermore, the “Makkah Route Initiative”—part of Vision 2030—is strengthening travel and tourism ties by streamlining the immigration process for Pakistani Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
This strategic partnership underscores that Pakistan is no longer merely a traditional brotherly nation; rather, it has become an indispensable pillar of Saudi Arabia’s future economic and developmental vision.
Saudi Arabia’s investments in Pakistan mark the beginning of a new, historic chapter in the economic relations between the two nations. Driven by the synergy between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s “Vision 2030” and Pakistan’s “Special Investment Facilitation Council” (SIFC), this engagement has evolved from traditional financial aid into a long-term strategic partnership.
Key sectors for Saudi investment in Pakistan include the following: Saudi Arabia’s oil giant, Aramco, is working on a project to establish a large, state-of-the-art oil refinery in Pakistan—an undertaking estimated to cost billions of dollars. Aramco has also entered Pakistan’s retail fuel market directly by acquiring a stake in a prominent local fuel network (such as Gas & Oil Pakistan Ltd – GO). Additionally, Saudi companies are investing in the solar and alternative energy sectors. Regarding the Reko Diq project in Balochistan—home to one of the world’s largest copper and gold deposits—the Saudi group “Manara Minerals” is in the final stages of negotiations to acquire a significant stake and make a major investment. This investment is set to be a game-changer for Pakistan’s mining sector. Saudi Arabia is investing in corporate farming to meet its food requirements and modernize Pakistan’s agricultural sector. Several agreements have been concluded to boost livestock and crop production through the transfer of advanced agricultural technology. Under the auspices of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), various commercial agreements have been signed between the private and public sectors of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Saudi entities, such as the Asyad Group and Wafi Energy, are expanding their networks within Pakistan across the logistics, transport, and aviation sectors.
This investment is not only strengthening Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves but is also creating new employment opportunities and introducing modern technology into the country. The volume of investments and economic packages from Saudi Arabia into Pakistan now exceeds $15 billion, reflecting a robust, long-term strategic economic partnership rather than the traditional financial aid that previously characterized the relationship between the two nations. These investments are progressing rapidly under a joint framework involving Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Saudi Aramco, the state-owned oil company, is working on a $10 billion investment to establish a state-of-the-art oil refinery and petrochemical complex in Gwadar; to attract this project, Pakistan has approved a 20-year tax holiday. Furthermore, a $1.2 billion oil facility—based on deferred payments—has been provided to offer relief to Pakistan’s energy market, with Pakistan also requesting a 15-year extension to this framework to ensure long-term energy security. Progress on the project involving the world’s largest undeveloped copper and gold reserves, located in the Chagai district of Balochistan, is moving forward very positively. Manara Minerals, a Saudi mining fund, is in the final stages of negotiations to acquire a 15% stake—out of the Government of Pakistan’s 25% share—for approximately $540 million. This deal has already received endorsement from Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council. Additionally, the Saudi Fund for Development has offered $150 million for the development of infrastructure and the construction of roads within the mining sector in Balochistan. The Canadian company Barrick Gold—which owns a 50% stake in the project and serves as its operator—has temporarily slowed the pace of development activities to conduct a detailed review of the security situation and financing in the region, with the aim of completing a comprehensive assessment by mid-2027. Nevertheless, Barrick Gold has explicitly welcomed Saudi Arabia’s involvement. Both nations are also finalizing a roadmap for a mega-project in Gwadar; Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company, Aramco, intends to invest $10 billion to establish a state-of-the-art “green” refinery. Furthermore, the prominent Saudi business group “Falcon Vision” has announced plans to invest up to $10 billion across Pakistan’s infrastructure, technology, construction, and industrial sectors. Under its “Greenfield Refinery Policy,” Pakistan has offered a 20-year tax holiday and special incentives to attract this project. Saudi authorities have requested detailed data from Pakistan regarding proposals and policy measures in this regard. In parallel with the refinery project, Aramco has already begun expanding its business operations in Pakistan by acquiring shares in a retail fuel company, Gas & Oil Pakistan (GO). According to recent diplomatic engagements, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Saudi officials are finalizing an immediate investment roadmap totaling $5 billion—within the framework of the Makkah Agreement—which encompasses the Reko Diq project, the green refinery, and the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project. Pakistan’s Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, met with the CEO of the Saudi Fund on the sidelines of the World Bank and IMF annual meetings. During the meeting, Pakistan requested an oil facility from Saudi Arabia—valued at $6.7 billion—to be provided on a deferred payment basis over a 15-year period to ensure energy security.
These initiatives serve as the backbone for Pakistan’s economic sovereignty and long-term development.